The Development Control and Regulatory Board of Leicestershire County Council met on Thursday, 18 June 2026, to discuss a proposed diversion of a public footpath. The board elected Peter Morris as Chair and Daniel Grimley as Deputy Chair. The primary decision made was to approve an order to divert Public Footpath P12 at Butt Lane, Blackfordby.

Application for a Public Path Diversion Order - Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath P12 (Part) at Butt Lane, Blackfordby

The Board considered an application to divert part of Public Footpath P12 at Butt Lane, Blackfordby, in the Parish of Ashby De La Zouch. The proposal, put forward by Mr and Mrs Jarvis, sought to divert the footpath from its current route, which passes through their garden, to an alternative route that largely follows the line of a path already used by the public and a newly constructed path within a nearby housing development.

Edwin McWilliam, Access Manager, presented the report, explaining that the diversion was intended to formalise the existing public use of the path and resolve an anomaly where the legal line of the footpath did not align with the path as it was commonly used. He noted that the proposed diversion would be substantially as convenient to the public and would not have a significant negative impact on their enjoyment of the path.

However, objections were raised by Mr Malcolm Ball, who argued that the definitive line of the footpath had been illegally obstructed and that the application contained false representations. Mr Ball also questioned the accuracy of the proposed diversion plan and raised concerns about land ownership. He presented evidence suggesting that the proposed diversion encroached on land he owned and that the definitive map's depiction of the footpath was more accurate than the plan submitted with the diversion application.

The local member, Councillor Dan Harrison CC, stated that he had not received any complaints from residents or the town council regarding the proposed diversion, and therefore he did not feel compelled to object.

After discussion, the Board voted to make an Order under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 to divert Public Footpath P12 (Part) at Butt Lane, Blackfordby, as shown on Plan No. 2575(P). This decision was made despite the objections raised, with the Board being satisfied that the statutory criteria for diverting the path had been met. The applicant, Mr and Mrs Jarvis, had agreed to indemnify the County Council against any potential claims for compensation arising from the diversion.

The meeting also included the election of a Chairman and Deputy Chairman. Peter Morris was elected as Chair, and Daniel Grimley was elected as Deputy Chair following a ballot. Apologies were received from Councillors John MacDonald and Kim Robinson, with Martin England and Paul Rudkin attending as substitutes. No questions were received from the public or members, and no urgent items or petitions were presented. The Board noted that the next meeting would be held on Thursday, 23 July 2026.